UCLA-Bound Rachel Garcia Wins Gatorade National Softball Player of the Year Award

Rachel Garcia's trophy cabinet is filling up quickly. Just two weeks after being named the California Gatorade State Softball Player of the Year, Garcia has added the Gatorade National Softball Player of the Year award to her collection.

Congrats to Rachel Garcia, who was named Gatorade National Softball Player of the Year today! http://t.co/VP6FJAbCqH pic.twitter.com/u6PUSrd6y9

— UCLA Softball (@UCLASoftball) June 18, 2015

Garcia also won the California Gatorade State POY award in 2013.

Garcia had a remarkable senior season at Highland. She finished the 2015 season at 26-2 with a 0.20 ERA. In 175 innings in the circle, she struck out 418 batters (2.4 batters per inning!) while walking just 13 and allowing only 37 hits. During the regular season, Garcia pitched three perfect games and ten other no-hitters. And she was even better in the CIF playoffs, hurling three more perfect games, a one-hitter, and a twelve-inning three-hitter in the championship game.

Garcia isn't bad with a bat in her hands either. As a senior, she finished with a .667 batting average, 20 home runs, and 57 RBI.

Garcia joins an impressive group of Bruins who have won the Gatorade National Softball Player of the Year award, including current Bruin Paige McDuffee, as well as former Bruins Amanda Freed (1998), Lisa Dodd (2003), and Anjelica Selden (2004).

Congratulations Rachel! We're looking forward to seeing you in blue and gold next year!

Go BRUINS!